The Taliban foreign ministry, in a statement, called the US decision to designate Afghanistan as a “state sponsor of wrongful detention” regrettable, saying that no foreign nationals have been detained as a “bargaining tool.”
The ministry said some foreign nationals had been detained for “violating applicable laws,” adding that in many cases they were released after legal procedures were completed.
The statement also said Taliban administration had taken “positive steps in good faith” over the past year regarding cases involving detained US citizens.
It added that discussions had taken place between Taliban and the US at various levels, facilitated by the government of Qatar, and that both sides had committed to certain steps during those talks.
The ministry said they hope the issue can be resolved through ongoing dialogue and “constructive engagement.”
US designation and warnings
The response came after the United States on Monday designated Afghanistan under Taliban rule as a “state sponsor of wrongful detention.”
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Taliban use detention of foreign nationals as a tactic to seek policy concessions and called for the immediate release of Americans held in Afghanistan.
The US government has said at least three Americans are currently detained in the country, including Dennis Coyle, a 64-year-old linguist and researcher, and Mahmood Shah Habibi. Taliban have denied holding Habibi.
US Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Adam Boehler also warned that Washington would not tolerate the detention of American citizens and said serious consequences could follow if they are not released.
Separately, lawmakers in Washington have criticized the Taliban over the detentions, while officials in the administration of President Donald Trump have warned the Taliban that the US expects the immediate release of Americans held in Afghanistan.
Previous talks
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid previously told The New York Times that they were close to reaching an agreement with the United States on the release of American detainees.
However, US officials have said the Taliban have sought the release of a senior al-Qaida member held at Guantanamo Bay as part of negotiations — a demand that has complicated the talks.
